A place for Kerby

A place for Kerby

SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) | Updated November 28, 2012 - 12:00am
Kerby Raymundo, a certified All-Star, now comes off the bench for Barangay Ginebra and his minutes are dwindling but coach Siot Tanquingcen says it’s not an indication of an inability to produce in the PBA Philippine Cup.

In Ginebra’s 97-90 win over Rain Or Shine at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday, Raymundo collected only two points and two rebounds in six minutes. The man called The Kid had sat out three of the last four outings and in the game he played, the former Letran star from Bataan went scoreless. He’s averaging 7.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 15.1 minutes so far.

Somehow, Raymundo has lost his spot in Tanquingcen’s primary rotation. Since his three-day confinement in a hospital for a viral infection a few weeks ago, he hasn’t been the same. Billy Mamaril and Rico Maierhofer have started 11 straight games for Ginebra in the frontline, leaving Raymundo to share bench chores with Rudy Hatfield and Willy Wilson as their relievers.

Raymundo, 31, played only five games in 2010-11, recovering from a knee injury, but rebounded to average 9.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 25.3 minutes in 45 contests last campaign. He left B-Meg to join Ginebra starting the second conference last season and had 19 starts in 29 outings under Tanquingcen. Because of Ginebra’s depth, Raymundo never got to play the three spot and instead alternated at four or five. Raymundo has been known to play three positions in the past, making him an extremely valuable commodity. Lately, Raymundo has been designated to play five, posting up back-to-the-basket and using his quickness to spin away from low block defenders.

“Kerby’s a professional,” said Tanquingcen. “It’s always a tough decision which players to use because there are only so many minutes in a game. I’ve talked with Kerby and he understands what we’re trying to do. It’s not easy. We’re making adjustments after losing Dylan (Ababou) and Mike (Cortez). Everyone is sacrificing for the good of the team. One adjustment that’s working is playing three guards with L. A. (Tenorio), Jay-Jay (Helterbrand) and Mark (Caguioa). The veterans know how to close out games, they’re our reliables.”

Ginebra came from 18 points down to stun Rain Or Shine, outscoring the Painters, 55-33 in the second half. Tenorio broke out of a scoreless first period to fire 11 of his 20 points in the fourth. He also compiled seven rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Six players grabbed at least seven rebounds each as Ginebra controlled the boards, 59-51, by committee. Caguioa, as usual, kept the Ginebra flag flying when Rain Or Shine threatened to break away in the first half and wound up with 18 points, 10 in the second quarter. High-flying Chris Ellis delivered 15 points and seven rebounds while Mamaril, fitting in nicely at center, had 12 points and nine boards.

Ginebra has won four in a row and will play Air 21 on Friday, Barako on Dec. 2 and Talk ‘N’ Text on Dec. 9 close its elimination schedule. Theoretically, the Barangay is still in contention for either first or second place in the standings. Finishing in the top two guarantees a twice-to-beat advantage in the first wave of playoffs.

Now that Ginebra’s on a winning streak, Raymundo’s future appears to be in doubt. It would be a different situation if the Barangay was losing. Is Raymundo looking for a new home where his talents will be put to full use? Could he be a better fit in another team where he is able to play multiple positions?

Source: Philstar.com